30 March, 2010

you.


you.

you have been so strong.

so courageous.

my pillar.
my rod.
my refuge.

my silly afternoons and late night giggles.

my pick me up from a puddle on the floor
and tuck me safely into bed.

my late night prayers amid tears and earth shattering reality.

my "you've got mascara all over your face again"
before I walk out the door to the supermarket.

my, "how long has it been since you've showered."

my, "it's time for a break."

my walk . . .
hand in hand, on the sand.

you.

you have put aside every broken piece of your own heart,
your own shattered soul,
to love, protect and heal mine.

you have given yourself completely to our sons,
to me,
without a breath of a thought of yourself.

you have fought your own quiet battle.

alone.

disenfranchised.

while I stood before the world,
you
were the prayer that sustained me.

you are my happiest thought
and my saving grace.

I love you.

xx.

Me



47 comments:

Jonathan Canlas said...

i my love richie norton as much as you do.

if i grow up to be event a little like him, then i'll be awesome x 1000000

Larry Reeves said...

such a cool post, natalie. richie is such an example to me of what a husband/father should be!

Unknown said...

*tears* what an amazing man. not a day goes by that i don't think of you two with all of my soul...and prayers always. xoxo

Justin M. Bowen said...

Beautiful

Amy said...

This is so sweet. You are such an inspiration. Thanks for sharing all of your thoughts and feelings. They are so strengthening.

TLCbull said...

woosh.

AmyPunky Photography said...

Wow I've never read nothing more beautiful...

AmyPunky Photography said...

Sorry for my bad English, I wanted to say this is the most beautiful text I've ever read.

Kimmie said...

stunning! thought i do not know you, you both are truly amazing! that was priceless.

Damaris @Kitchen Corners said...

this is beautiful,
long live men who love their wife even amid a storm.

You go richie!

Shanda said...

Simply Amazing...I'm in tears!

Hailee said...

Natalie, I found your blog through Jonathan Canlas' through Totally Rad Actions. I've read about your loss with a lump in my throat over the past few weeks. Your understanding of the gospel and your faith are such an example to me and to others. I've read through tears before, but this post pulled those tears right out of my eyes and down my cheeks. Thank heaven for your Richie and for strong, selfless men everywhere. I'm a mom, wife, and photographer like you. I'll be praying for you and your family all the way from Phoenix, AZ.

Unknown said...

Can't see thtough the tears. I hope your Richie knows how wonderful "we" out here in the world think he is too!

Crystal said...

That was so beautiful. You've got me in tears again. Thank heaven for wonderful husbands.

robyn said...

I don't think there is a post of yours that doesn't make me cry. My husband will look over and just assume I am reading your blog again. I can't get over how strong you are and you have got to be the best mom I have ever heard of! Seriously!

Michelle Jones said...

Loved it. Thank you.

marlei said...

Such a sweet sweet post. I am so glad there is a Richie in your life. This post has brought tears..

Unknown said...

Natalie,
God gave you a wonderful life partner, because you deserve him and give him so much love in return.
I love you both.
Gretchen

liko said...

loveliness.

Kahilau said...

Beautiful! You are a lucky girl, NO DOUBT, and you are an amazing POWER HOUSE TEAM! Love an eternal marriage!

Susan said...

I love this post so much. Husbands are stronger than we give them credit for sometimes. I'm so glad you have such a solid person by your side through this! :)

Brady and Rachel said...

breathtaking. You picked well Nat. You two are unstoppable together! My prayers continue daily for you, don't forget that. :)

Marie Rose said...

That is so sweet. You have a wonderful husband. Still thinking of you.

Amanda @ Ruffled said...

He's a wonderful father and husband. You're also amazing by appreciating everything he's done to you and your boys. Not everyone realizes it or takes the time to say thanks :)

Kindsay and Erik said...

Natalie....this was so touching to me. Richie really is an AMAZING guy. And you are an amazing woman!!! I feel so privileged to be your sister. I LOVE you two so much! Thanks for sharing something so special and close to the heart!!!

Kindsay and Erik said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Marina said...

Natalie, can you send him my way... please???

Marci said...

absolutely beautiful!

Heather said...

Absolutely beautiful. I'm so happy you have someone so wonderful :) I do too, and we are so blessed aren't we? Thank you for your way with words.

sevenalstons said...

That is the most touching, beautiful tribute I've ever read. I'm not sure who's more blessed... you or your husband. I think I'll call it a tie!

Kim said...

I just have to say how beautifully you put this. I love the way you write.

Jamie said...

So beautiful! You put into words exactly how I felt about my husband when we lost our little guy! Thanks so much! My prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post! You are so good with writing.

Rosanne said...

priceless.

lisa said...

ahhhhhh, beautiful. love, love, love.

Jana Neser said...

I was tearing up when I was looking at that sweet picture of Richie and Gavin before I even read your post! Now I'm a mess. You two have always been great examples to me.

Laura Reaux said...

Cried like a baby reading that. I'm thanking God for you that God gave you the perfect help mate for you.

brigette said...

so sorry for what you have been through oh how it hurts to relate... I am so glad that you have someone so amazing to be there to help you along though it makes all the difference in the world.

Anonymous said...

I'm crying. So beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

Michaelson Family said...

Loved this post. Husbands really have strong shoulders don't they?

Sara Jane said...

lovely...i'm glad you have him.

Kim said...

Natalie,

Your posts resonate in my soul, and I thank you for that.

xoxo, Kim

Paola said...

completely and utterly breathtaking. your words and emotions cut me to the core. simply beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

I always always count my blessings after I read your blog. Thank you for sharing. Thank you.

Maly

Anonymous said...

way to give props to your hubby

Rebecca said...

What a wonderful tribute to your husband. I bet I'll cry every time I read it.

Taylor Gardner said...

What an amazing writer you are! And what an incredible husband. I am endeared to him without knowing him because of the wonderful way you allow us to see and appreciate through your eyes. If only every wife spoke of her husband as you do......